Rail and Road

A 17 day tour combining the leisurely essence of self drive with New Zealand's iconic rail journeys with a Milford Sound and Waitomo Cave tour included.

Day 1 - Auckland
On arrival at Auckland Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
STANDARD: Sky City Hotel
DELUXE: Cotter House, B&B Basis

Day 2 - Auckland
A full day to explore the city of sails. Relax in one of the city's waterfront cafes or take an optional day cruise to Waiheke Island
STANDARD: Sky City Hotel
DELUXE: Cotter House, B&B Basis

Day 3 - Auckland/Waitomo Caves/Rotorua (200km/160km)
This morning collect your rental car. Make your own way to Rotorua via the famous Waitomo Glow-worm Caves. Entrance to the caves is included.
STANDARD: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
DELUXE: The Lodge at 199, B&B basis

Day 4 - Rotorua
Time for sightseeing by your rental car. Entrance is included to the Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts Institute and Thermal Reserve, the Agrodome Farm Show, Rainbow Springs, a Skyline Gondola ride and the Polynesian Spa.
STANDARD: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
DELUXE: The Lodge at 199, B&B basis

Day 5 - Rotorua/Auckland (240km)
Make your way back to Auckland. Return your rental car to the Auckland City Depot on arrival. Make your own way to your hotel.
STANDARD: Sky City Hotel
DELUXE: Cotter House, B&B Basis

Day 6 - Auckland/Wellington
Seat in Coach Shuttle transfer to Auckland Rail Station. Depart Auckland on the Overlander Train to Wellington. On arrival in Wellington you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
STANDARD: Ibis Hotel Wellington
DELUXE: Lambton Heights Boutique, B&B basis

Day 7 - Wellington
A full day at leisure to explore the nations capital, Wellington. Perhaps take a ride on the cable car upto the Botanical gardens, or visit Te Papa - the national museum of New Zealand.
STANDARD: Ibis Hotel Wellington
DELUXE: Lambton Heights Boutique, B&B basis

Day 8 - Wellington/Picton/Christchurch
This morning return your rental car to the Ferry Terminal Depot. Board the InterIslander Ferry for your journey across Cook Strait to Picton. On arrival in Picton board the Tranz Coastal Train for your journey down the East Coast to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch transfer to your hotel.
STANDARD: Copthorne Durham St
DELUXE: Charlotte Jane, B&B basis

Day 9 - Christchurch/Mt Cook (330km)
This morning collect your rental car. Make your way to Mt Cook.
STANDARD: Hermitage Hotel - Standard room
DELUXE: Hermitage Hotel - Superior room

Day 10 - Mount Cook/Queenstown (260km)
Make your way to Queenstown.
STANDARD: Mercure Resort Queenstown
DELUXE: Browns Boutique Hotel, B&B basis

Day 11 - Queenstown/Milford Sound/Queenstown
Enjoy a full day Coach Tour to Milford Sound where a launch cruise on the sound is included. There is the option to return to Queenstown by scenic flight (at extra cost).
STANDARD: Mercure Resort Queenstown
DELUXE: Browns Boutique Hotel, B&B basis

Day 12 - Queenstown
Full day at your leisure to select your optional sightseeing: thrilling jet boat rides, vintage steamer lake cruises, visit to high country sheep stations, mountain gondola rides — the list is endless and you also have time to relax and simply marvel at the beautiful scenery.
STANDARD: Mercure Resort Queenstown
DELUXE: Browns Boutique Hotel, B&B basis

Day 13 - Queenstown/Franz Josef (360km)
Make your way to Franz Josef Glacier.
STANDARD: Punga Grove Motor Lodge
DELUXE: Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat, B&B basis

Franz Josef /Greymouth or Hokitika (175kms or 140kms)
Make your way to Greymouth or Hokitika.
STANDARD: Kingsgate Greymouth Hotel
DELUXE: Kapitea Ridge Hokitika, B&B basis

Day 15 - Greymouth or Hokitika/Christchurch
This afternoon return your rental car to the rental car counter at the Railway Station. Depart on board the scenic Tranz Alpine Train for your journey across Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch transfer to your hotel.
STANDARD: Copthorne Durham St
DELUXE: Charlotte Jane, B&B basis

Day 16 - Christchurch
Spend a full day at leisure in Christchurch
STANDARD: Copthorne Durham St
DELUXE: Charlotte Jane, B&B basis

Day 17 - Christchurch
Tour ends with a transfer to Christchurch Airport.


17 Self drive and rail from £1509 or Deluxe from £2319

Standard tours include accommodation in comfortable touring hotels. Deluxe tours include more intimate accommodation in lodges, country houses and small hotels offering a warm welcome and personal service. With Deluxe hotels breakfast is included.

Accommodation is subject to availability and may be changed for one of a similar standard if necessary.